A-Avis Home Services Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog

What to Know Before Installing a New Air Conditioner

So you’ve been doing your research online, shopping around for how to find the best air conditioner. That explains why you’re reading this post right now. Some of the most practical advice before installing an air conditioner would be things like making sure the AC is the right size, how much is it expected to cost, and more.

In this post, we hope to dig just a bit deeper into some subjects that don’t always get asked but really should.

What’s Better for Your Budget?

Often, you’ll read all about how different air conditioners provide cooling (or heating) through different methods. “Some are better than others,” is the general impression you get, leaving you to wonder what it really means for you in the long run.

Central air conditioners are the standard type that will get the job done at a normal price. These systems have been used for decades for a good reason. However, the monthly energy costs for these units isn’t incredible. If you use the AC smarter, you’ll be able to reduce that bill, but the fact remains that it’s not the best option for month-to-month efficiency.

Ductless mini-split systems, on the other hand, are what will get you that low, monthly energy bill. However, it comes at a price. The cost for an HVAC company in Riverside, CA to install these units initially is more than many homeowners are willing to put up front. Plus, you have to consider that you’ll need as many ductless units as there are rooms in the home that you want to cool.

Do You Want to Use Your Duct System?

Many homes are already equipped with a set of ducts, for use with furnaces. If you have a set of ducts already, there are two ways you can approach your AC installation choices.

An existing duct system is perfect for installing a central air system. It will simply use the same set of ducts to deliver cool air in the summer, and then go right back to delivering warm air in the winter. The biggest drawback of ducts, however, is that they can be inefficient if not properly maintained. When you think about it, the ductwork is just another conduit separating your home from conditioned air. If that conduit has leaks or is damaged, it won’t be able to deliver the air properly, and that can lead to inefficiency and comfort issues.

On the other hand, let’s say you go ductless and only work with ductless mini-splits. Any efficiency issues with the ducts are eliminated since there won’t be any—there’s nothing standing between conditioned air and the room. However, if you already have ducts that you use with a heating system, it might be redundant to install a ductless system. Ductless units have both cooling and heating functionality. But if your goal is to stop using your ducts and to move away from using your furnace—if you wanted to go all electric—then ductless is a fine choice.

Still need help making a decision? We can help clear the air on all things air conditioning. Like our shoe covers, our customers are the coolest! Contact AVIS for your HVAC needs!